Historic Glass Negative of 1910s American Life

This glass negative captures S. Gardner and was taken by the Bain News Service sometime between 1915 and 1920. Bain News Service was known for its widespread production of news photography, contributing significantly to the visual documentation of life in the early 20th century. This era was marked by significant social and technological changes, including the rise of mass media and the growing influence of photography as a tool for storytelling and information sharing.

The image, measuring 5 x 7 inches or less, exemplifies the type of documentary photography that aimed to provide a glimpse into the lives of individuals during a transformative period in American history. This particular negative is a part of the George Grantham Bain Collection, which includes a wealth of imagery spanning various aspects of life from that time, offering valuable insights into the norms, fashions, and societal conditions of the era. By preserving such historical records, we gain access to the everyday realities faced by individuals like Gardner, forging a connection to a past that shaped our present.